CarCostCheck

VAUXHALL CORSA (1998)

Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 2,514 real MOT tests in 2024.

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MOT Pass Rate

73%

Total Tests (2024)

2,514

Avg Mileage

71,159 mi

Est. Annual Cost

£1,540

Is the 1998 VAUXHALL CORSA reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VAUXHALL brand average of 84%.

At 26 years old, 73% of VAUXHALL CORSAs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 2,514 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 71,159 miles.

How does the 1998 VAUXHALL CORSA compare?

Rank among all 1998 cars184th out of 340(top 54%)
Rank among all VAUXHALL models708th out of 882(top 80%)
vs national average-9% (82% avg)
vs 1998 cars average-2% (75% avg)
vs VAUXHALL average-11% (84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

The average 1998 VAUXHALL CORSA has 71,159 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

Best year to buy a VAUXHALL CORSA?

The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 67%. The 1998 sits between the two at 73%.

How much does a 1998 VAUXHALL CORSA cost to run?

⛽Fuel (Petrol, 1199cc)
£955
🏛️Road Tax
£30
🔧MOT Test
£55
🛠️Predicted Repairs

Higher than average due to low pass rate

£500
Total per year£1,540
Per month£128/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

VAUXHALL CORSA by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202196%20421,555 mi
202085%34828,514 mi
201988%68,63932,881 mi
201885%86,26641,031 mi
201782%90,28549,026 mi
201681%133,04556,744 mi
201578%160,43863,359 mi
201476%141,74769,331 mi
201377%136,83875,022 mi
201276%138,26579,639 mi
201175%111,86883,401 mi
201074%99,90985,864 mi
200973%91,54189,332 mi
200873%84,78291,750 mi
200772%65,13392,716 mi
200668%34,52386,148 mi
200568%23,87784,722 mi
200468%17,04883,203 mi
200367%14,52183,708 mi
200268%9,30982,576 mi
200168%6,33780,064 mi
200069%2,46568,980 mi
199989%7,69780,319 mi
199873%2,51471,159 mi
199772%1,69472,132 mi
199674%83172,499 mi
199572%53774,332 mi
199477%39563,135 mi
199388%18762,430 mi

Checking a specific VAUXHALL CORSA?

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About the 1998 VAUXHALL CORSA

The 1998 VAUXHALL CORSA is a city car with a 1199cc petrol engine. 2,514 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 71,159 miles at 26 years old, VAUXHALL CORSA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

1998 VAUXHALL CORSA Fuel Costs

The modest 1199cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £955 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1998 VAUXHALL CORSA?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,540 (£128/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 73% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

VAUXHALL CORSA Reliability Trend

Newer VAUXHALL CORSAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1998 VAUXHALL CORSA

At 26 years old, the VAUXHALL CORSA is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 96%.

Alternatives to the 1998 VAUXHALL CORSA

The VAUXHALL CORSA is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol city cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines: